Preparing the Vilnius 15th International Christmas Charity Bazaar

Ludo Segers | the Lithuania Tribune

Thursday, November 9, 2017

The 15th annual International Christmas Charity Bazaar will take place on 2 December in the Vilnius City Hall (Vilniaus rotušė). The International Christmas Charity Bazaar is organised by the International Women’s Association in Vilnius. All the profits of the Bazaar are donated to ten charitable causes, benefiting the most disadvantaged in Lithuania.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mrs Ebba Michelsson the wife of Finnish Ambassador to Lithuania, and this year's Chair of the organising committee, hosted at her residence a workshop for the organizers of the Bazaar. Mrs Alma Adamkienė, wife of former President Adamkus, Mrs Silvija Skvernelė, wife of the Prime Minister, and several spouses of ambassadors, as well several organisers participated in the workshop.

This year's Bazaar is under the patronage of Mrs Silvija Skvernelė and Honorary Patronage of Mrs. Alma Adamkienė. They joined renowned Lithuanian artist Nomeda Marčėnaitė in a workshop decorating glass Christmas tree decorations. These unique glass ornaments and many other unique items and goodies will be offered for sale at the annual Bazaar.

The Bazaar's Ambassador and Chairs were joined in the decorating of the ornaments by Mrs Birutė Vizgirdienė, Cliodhna Noonan, wife of the Irish Ambassador, Andrea Kedmenec, wife of the Croatian Ambassador, and last year's chair Ethel Cushing. Amy Sestilė, Asta Laukaitytė and Edita Raguckienė, members of the International Women's Association, also joined in the creative exercise in the pleasantly decorated residence of the ambassador.

The host, Mrs Ebba Michelsson, said, "There are always people who have to make do with less than others and need our help. I am convinced that society needs to help the needy, and therefore, I am very pleased that this year I had the honour of chairing the Organizing Committee of the International Christmas Bazaar.'' She added, ''The proceeds of the Bazaar will be donated to ten organizations that take care of the well-being of children, the disabled, and seniors. In organising this bazaar, we are reminded of the importance of giving to those in need".

More than 30 diplomatic representations and 5 international schools will participate in the 15th anniversary event of the Bazaar on December 2 in the old Vilnius City Hall. In addition to the very popular lottery with some valuable prizes, there will be traditional dance performances, festive choir songs, and events for children.

Children and grownups alike will particularly enjoy the 'real Santa' who is travelling again from Korvatunturi in Lapland. Representatives from the Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, and other countries will ensure that goodies, festive specialities, and traditional dishes will find their way to Lithuanian homes.